Travel Where to reboot, detox and rebalance
While many of us will be indulging in a dry January after the festive season, the country’s breweries and distilleries are growing faster than they have at any time since the 19th Century. Here’s a selection of spots east of the Shannon to discover our rich history of beers, ciders, whiskey and gin.
Listoke Gin School, Co Louth
This gin is a favourite among cooks for the floral notes it adds to marinades. The distillery is also home to the country’s only gin school. Start by choosing the flavour profile and botanical mix, then putting it in a miniature copper still to label and bring home. While waiting for your gin to distil, you can sample a Listoke G&T and some local food products. Nearby attractions include Monasterboice, Mellifont Abbey and the River Boyne.
Brehon Brewhouse, Co Monaghan Set amongst the drumlins near the birthplace of Patrick Kavanagh, Brehon Brewhouse creates Irish ales on their dairy farm. Join master brewer Phil for a brewery tour, taste the ale variants and see the brewing process from start to finish. Afterwards, why not lord it up at nearby Castle Leslie or try a bit of bog-snorkelling?
Carlingford Brewing, Co Louth Carlingford is already a great day out, with the fun range of activities at Carlingford Adventure Centre, home to the country’s largest aerial centre, SKY PARK. Afterwards, visit Des Goldrick at Carlingford Brewing Company, for a guided tour and to hear the legend of Donn Cúailnge, the Brown Bull of Cooley and sample some of the beers.
Elbow Lane, Cork
Set in a handsome building on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City, Elbow Lane has an in-house
micro-brewery and a smokehouse, so you can try some unique foods combined with Elbow Lane beers. Just beside Elbow Lane is Cork City Gaol and Radio Museum Experience, a fascinating window on the history of radio communication across the Irish Sea and the Atlantic.
Smithwick’s Experience, Kilkenny Go back in time to the 1300s to the site of St. Francis Abbey where the monks first brewed beer and learn more about Smithwick’s Red Ale. Then visit the Medieval Mile Museum and check out the artefacts and stories of the merchants who built the city. Round off your trip to Kilkenny by testing your nerve at Castlecomer Discovery Park, home to Ireland’s longest zipline!
Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskey Experience, Co Offaly
Savour almost two centuries of distilling history, including how the barley is tricked into growing and why the angels always get their share. For a spookier experience, visit nearby Charleville Castle, haunted by the ghost of Harriet, the 3rd Earl of Charleville’s daughter.